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Loose S, Lischka A, Kuehs S, Nau C, Heinemann SH, Kurth I, Leipold E. Peripheral temperature dysregulation associated with functionally altered Na V1.8 channels. Pflugers Arch 2023; 475:1343-1355. [PMID: 37695396 PMCID: PMC10567936 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-023-02856-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
The voltage-gated sodium channel NaV1.8 is prominently expressed in the soma and axons of small-caliber sensory neurons, and pathogenic variants of the corresponding gene SCN10A are associated with peripheral pain and autonomic dysfunction. While most disease-associated SCN10A variants confer gain-of-function properties to NaV1.8, resulting in hyperexcitability of sensory neurons, a few affect afferent excitability through a loss-of-function mechanism. Using whole-exome sequencing, we here identify a rare heterozygous SCN10A missense variant resulting in alteration p.V1287I in NaV1.8 in a patient with a 15-year history of progressively worsening temperature dysregulation in the distal extremities, particularly in the feet. Further symptoms include increasingly intensifying tingling and numbness in the fingers and increased sweating. To assess the impact of p.V1287I on channel function, we performed voltage-clamp recordings demonstrating that the alteration confers loss- and gain-of-function characteristics to NaV1.8 characterized by a right-shifted voltage dependence of channel activation and inactivation. Current-clamp recordings from transfected mouse dorsal root ganglion neurons further revealed that NaV1.8-V1287I channels broaden the action potentials of sensory neurons and increase their firing rates in response to depolarizing current stimulations, indicating a gain-of-function mechanism of the variant at the cellular level in a heterozygous setting. The data support the hypothesis that the properties of NaV1.8 p.V1287I are causative for the patient's symptoms and that nonpainful peripheral paresthesias should be considered part of the clinical spectrum of NaV1.8-associated disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Loose
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care & CBBM - Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism, University of Luebeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Annette Lischka
- Institute for Human Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Samuel Kuehs
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care & CBBM - Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism, University of Luebeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Carla Nau
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care & CBBM - Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism, University of Luebeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Stefan H Heinemann
- Center for Molecular Biomedicine, Department of Biophysics, Friedrich Schiller University Jena and Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Ingo Kurth
- Institute for Human Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Enrico Leipold
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care & CBBM - Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism, University of Luebeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562, Luebeck, Germany.
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2
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Sopacua M, Hoeijmakers JGJ, van der Kooi AJ, Merkies ISJ, Faber CG. Pain triangle phenomenon in possible association with
SCN9A
: A case report. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2022; 10:e2026. [PMID: 36114697 PMCID: PMC9544215 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.2026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Voltage‐gated sodium channels are essential for the generation and conduction of electrical impulses in excitable cells. Sodium channel Nav1.7, encoded by the SCN9A‐gene, has been of special interest in the last decades because missense gain‐of‐function mutations have been linked to a spectrum of neuropathic pain conditions, including inherited erythermalgia (IEM), paroxysmal extreme pain disorder (PEPD), and small fiber neuropathy (SFN). Methods In this case report, we present a 61‐year‐old woman who was referred to our tertiary referral center in a standard day care setting with suspicion of SFN. We performed additional investigations: skin biopsy to determine the intra‐epidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD), quantitative sensory testing (QST), and blood examination (including DNA analysis) for possible underlying conditions. Results The patient showed a clinical picture that fulfilled the criteria of IEM, PEPD, and SFN. DNA analysis revealed the heterozygous variant c.554G > A in the SCN9A‐gene (OMIM 603415). This variant has already been described in all three human pain conditions separately, but never in one patient having symptoms of all three conditions. Because its pathogenicity has never been functionally confirmed, the variant is classified as a variance of unknown significance (VUS)/risk factor. This suggests that another genetic and/or environmental substrate plays a role in the development of neuropathic conditions like described. Conclusion We have described this as the SCN9A‐pain triangle phenomenon. Treatment should focus on pain management, genetic counseling, and improving/maintaining quality of life by treating symptoms and, if indicated, starting a rehabilitation program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurice Sopacua
- Department of Neurology, School of Mental Health and Neuroscience Maastricht University Medical Center+ Maastricht The Netherlands
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine Libra Revalidatie & Audiologie Eindhoven The Netherlands
| | - Janneke G. J. Hoeijmakers
- Department of Neurology, School of Mental Health and Neuroscience Maastricht University Medical Center+ Maastricht The Netherlands
| | | | - Ingemar S. J. Merkies
- Department of Neurology, School of Mental Health and Neuroscience Maastricht University Medical Center+ Maastricht The Netherlands
- Department of Neurology Curaçao Medical Center Willemstad Curaçao
| | - Catharina G. Faber
- Department of Neurology, School of Mental Health and Neuroscience Maastricht University Medical Center+ Maastricht The Netherlands
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3
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Kinetic Alterations in Resurgent Sodium Currents of Mutant Nav1.4 Channel in Two Patients Affected by Paramyotonia Congenita. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11040613. [PMID: 35453812 PMCID: PMC9031228 DOI: 10.3390/biology11040613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Paramyotonia congenita (PMC) is a rare muscle disorder that causes myotonia and weakness of facial and limb muscles. The electromyography in PMC shows continual spontaneous, high-frequency spike potentials in skeletal muscles. Genetic mutations in the Nav1.4 channel that cause hyperexcitability of muscle fibers are responsible for PMC. However, the genotype–phenotype relationship is highly diversified, and the molecular pathology remains unclear. Here, we investigated the electrophysiology in the Nav1.4 channel with mutations, p.V781I and p.A1737T, which were found in two Taiwanese patients. We identified the distinct changes in gating mechanisms altered by mutations which may underlie the clinical phenotype. Abstract Paramyotonia congenita (PMC) is a rare skeletal muscle disorder characterized by muscle stiffness upon repetitive exercise and cold exposure. PMC was reported to be caused by dominant mutations in the SCN4A gene encoding the α subunit of the Nav1.4 channel. Recently, we identified two missense mutations of the SCN4A gene, p.V781I and p.A1737T, in two PMC families. To evaluate the changes in electrophysiological properties caused by the mutations, both mutant and wild-type (WT) SCN4A genes were expressed in CHO-K1 and HEK-293T cells. Then, whole-cell patch-clamp recording was employed to study the altered gating of mutant channels. The activation curve of transient current showed a hyperpolarizing shift in both mutant Nav1.4 channels as compared to the WT channel, whereas there was a depolarizing shift in the fast inactivation curve. These changes confer to an increase in window current in the mutant channels. Further investigations demonstrated that the mutated channel proteins generate significantly larger resurgent currents as compared to the WT channel and take longer to attain the peak of resurgent current than the WT channel. In conclusion, the current study demonstrates that p.V781I and p.A1737T mutations in the Nav1.4 channel increase both the sustained and the resurgent Na+ current, leading to membrane hyperexcitability with a lower firing threshold, which may influence the clinical phenotype.
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4
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Xenakis MN, Kapetis D, Yang Y, Gerrits MM, Heijman J, Waxman SG, Lauria G, Faber CG, Westra RL, Lindsey PJ, Smeets HJ. Hydropathicity-based prediction of pain-causing NaV1.7 variants. BMC Bioinformatics 2021; 22:212. [PMID: 33892629 PMCID: PMC8063372 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-021-04119-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mutation-induced variations in the functional architecture of the NaV1.7 channel protein are causally related to a broad spectrum of human pain disorders. Predicting in silico the phenotype of NaV1.7 variant is of major clinical importance; it can aid in reducing costs of in vitro pathophysiological characterization of NaV1.7 variants, as well as, in the design of drug agents for counteracting pain-disease symptoms. Results In this work, we utilize spatial complexity of hydropathic effects toward predicting which NaV1.7 variants cause pain (and which are neutral) based on the location of corresponding mutation sites within the NaV1.7 structure. For that, we analyze topological and scaling hydropathic characteristics of the atomic environment around NaV1.7’s pore and probe their spatial correlation with mutation sites. We show that pain-related mutation sites occupy structural locations in proximity to a hydrophobic patch lining the pore while clustering at a critical hydropathic-interactions distance from the selectivity filter (SF). Taken together, these observations can differentiate pain-related NaV1.7 variants from neutral ones, i.e., NaV1.7 variants not causing pain disease, with 80.5\documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
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\begin{document}$$\%$$\end{document}% specificity [area under the receiver operating characteristics curve = 0.872]. Conclusions Our findings suggest that maintaining hydrophobic NaV1.7 interior intact, as well as, a finely-tuned (dictated by hydropathic interactions) distance from the SF might be necessary molecular conditions for physiological NaV1.7 functioning. The main advantage for using the presented predictive scheme is its negligible computational cost, as well as, hydropathicity-based biophysical rationalization. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12859-021-04119-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makros N Xenakis
- Department of Toxicogenomics, Section Clinical Genomics, Maastricht University, PO Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands. .,Research School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, PO Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Dimos Kapetis
- Neuroalgology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico "Carlo Besta", Via Celoria 11, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University College of Pharmacy, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.,Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Monique M Gerrits
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Center, PO box 5800, 6202 AZ, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Jordi Heijman
- Department of Cardiology, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, PO Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Stephen G Waxman
- Department of Neurology and Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.,Rehabilitation Research Center, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA
| | - Giuseppe Lauria
- Neuroalgology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico "Carlo Besta", Via Celoria 11, 20133, Milan, Italy.,Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences "Luigi Sacco", University of Milan, Via G.B. Grassi 74, 20157, Milan, Italy
| | - Catharina G Faber
- Department of Neurology, Maastricht University Medical Center, PO Box 5800, 6202 AZ, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ronald L Westra
- Department of Data Science and Knowledge Engineering, Maastricht University, PO Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Patrick J Lindsey
- Department of Toxicogenomics, Section Clinical Genomics, Maastricht University, PO Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Research School for Oncology and Developmental Biology (GROW), Maastricht University, PO Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Hubert J Smeets
- Department of Toxicogenomics, Section Clinical Genomics, Maastricht University, PO Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Research School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, PO Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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5
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Toffano AA, Chiarot G, Zamuner S, Marchi M, Salvi E, Waxman SG, Faber CG, Lauria G, Giacometti A, Simeoni M. Computational pipeline to probe NaV1.7 gain-of-function variants in neuropathic painful syndromes. Sci Rep 2020; 10:17930. [PMID: 33087732 PMCID: PMC7578092 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74591-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Applications of machine learning and graph theory techniques to neuroscience have witnessed an increased interest in the last decade due to the large data availability and unprecedented technology developments. Their employment to investigate the effect of mutational changes in genes encoding for proteins modulating the membrane of excitable cells, whose biological correlates are assessed at electrophysiological level, could provide useful predictive clues. We apply this concept to the analysis of variants in sodium channel NaV1.7 subunit found in patients with chronic painful syndromes, by the implementation of a dedicated computational pipeline empowering different and complementary techniques including homology modeling, network theory, and machine learning. By testing three templates of different origin and sequence identities, we provide an optimal condition for its use. Our findings reveal the usefulness of our computational pipeline in supporting the selection of candidates for cell electrophysiology assay and with potential clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto A Toffano
- Dipartimento di Scienze Molecolari e Nanosistemi, Universitá Ca' Foscari Venezia, Venezia-Mestre, Italy
| | - Giacomo Chiarot
- Dipartimento di Scienze Ambientali, Informatica e Statistica, Universitá Ca' Foscari Venezia, Venezia-Mestre, Italy
| | - Stefano Zamuner
- Laboratory of Statistical Biophysics, Institute of Physics, School of Basic Sciences, Ècole Polytechnique Fèdèrale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Margherita Marchi
- Neuroalgology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico "Carlo Besta", Milan, Italy
| | - Erika Salvi
- Neuroalgology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico "Carlo Besta", Milan, Italy
| | - Stephen G Waxman
- Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, VA Connecticut Healthcare System and Yale Medical School, West Haven, USA
| | - Catharina G Faber
- MHeNs school for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Neurology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Giuseppe Lauria
- Neuroalgology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico "Carlo Besta", Milan, Italy.,Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences "Luigi Sacco", University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Achille Giacometti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Molecolari e Nanosistemi, Universitá Ca' Foscari Venezia, Venezia-Mestre, Italy.,European Centre for Living Technology (ECLT), Venice, Italy
| | - Marta Simeoni
- Dipartimento di Scienze Ambientali, Informatica e Statistica, Universitá Ca' Foscari Venezia, Venezia-Mestre, Italy. .,European Centre for Living Technology (ECLT), Venice, Italy.
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6
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Painful and painless mutations of SCN9A and SCN11A voltage-gated sodium channels. Pflugers Arch 2020; 472:865-880. [PMID: 32601768 PMCID: PMC7351857 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-020-02419-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Chronic pain is a global problem affecting up to 20% of the world’s population and has a significant economic, social and personal cost to society. Sensory neurons of the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) detect noxious stimuli and transmit this sensory information to regions of the central nervous system (CNS) where activity is perceived as pain. DRG neurons express multiple voltage-gated sodium channels that underlie their excitability. Research over the last 20 years has provided valuable insights into the critical roles that two channels, NaV1.7 and NaV1.9, play in pain signalling in man. Gain of function mutations in NaV1.7 cause painful conditions while loss of function mutations cause complete insensitivity to pain. Only gain of function mutations have been reported for NaV1.9. However, while most NaV1.9 mutations lead to painful conditions, a few are reported to cause insensitivity to pain. The critical roles these channels play in pain along with their low expression in the CNS and heart muscle suggest they are valid targets for novel analgesic drugs.
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7
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Ciotu CI, Tsantoulas C, Meents J, Lampert A, McMahon SB, Ludwig A, Fischer MJM. Noncanonical Ion Channel Behaviour in Pain. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E4572. [PMID: 31540178 PMCID: PMC6770626 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20184572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Ion channels contribute fundamental properties to cell membranes. Although highly diverse in conductivity, structure, location, and function, many of them can be regulated by common mechanisms, such as voltage or (de-)phosphorylation. Primarily considering ion channels involved in the nociceptive system, this review covers more novel and less known features. Accordingly, we outline noncanonical operation of voltage-gated sodium, potassium, transient receptor potential (TRP), and hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide (HCN)-gated channels. Noncanonical features discussed include properties as a memory for prior voltage and chemical exposure, alternative ion conduction pathways, cluster formation, and silent subunits. Complementary to this main focus, the intention is also to transfer knowledge between fields, which become inevitably more separate due to their size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cosmin I Ciotu
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Jannis Meents
- Institute of Physiology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Angelika Lampert
- Institute of Physiology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Stephen B McMahon
- Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Diseases, King's College London, London SE1 1UR, UK
| | - Andreas Ludwig
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Michael J M Fischer
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
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8
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Pediatric Erythromelalgia and SCN9A Mutations: Systematic Review and Single-Center Case Series. J Pediatr 2019; 206:217-224.e9. [PMID: 30416015 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2018.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Revised: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the clinical features of erythromelalgia in childhood associated with gain-of-function SCN9A mutations that increase activity of the Nav1.7 voltage-gated sodium channel, we conducted a systematic review of pediatric presentations of erythromelalgia related to SCN9A mutations, and compared pediatric clinical presentations of symptomatic erythromelalgia, with or without SCN9A mutations. STUDY DESIGN PubMed, Embase, and PsycINFO Databases were searched for reports of inherited erythromelalgia in childhood. Clinical features, management, and genotype were extracted. Case notes of pediatric patients with erythromelalgia from the Great Ormond Street Hospital Pain Service were reviewed for clinical features, patient-reported outcomes, and treatments. Children aged over 10 years were recruited for quantitative sensory testing. RESULTS Twenty-eight publications described erythromelalgia associated with 15 different SCN9A gene variants in 25 children. Pain was severe and often refractory to multiple treatments, including nonspecific sodium channel blockers. Skin damage or other complications of cold immersion for symptomatic relief were common (60%). SCN9A mutations resulting in greater hyperpolarizing shifts in Nav1.7 sodium channels correlated with symptom onset at younger ages (P = .016). Variability in reporting, and potential publication bias toward severe cases, limit any estimations of overall prevalence. In our case series, symptoms were similar but comorbidities were more common in children with SCN9A mutations. Quantitative sensory testing revealed marked dynamic warm allodynia. CONCLUSIONS Inherited erythromelalgia in children is associated with difficult-to-manage pain and significant morbidity. Standardized reporting of outcome and management in larger series will strengthen identification of genotype-phenotype relationships. More effective long-term therapies are a significant unmet clinical need.
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9
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Sopacua M, Hoeijmakers JGJ, Merkies ISJ, Lauria G, Waxman SG, Faber CG. Small‐fiber neuropathy: Expanding the clinical pain universe. J Peripher Nerv Syst 2019; 24:19-33. [DOI: 10.1111/jns.12298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Revised: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Maurice Sopacua
- Department of Neurology, School of Mental Health and NeuroscienceMaastricht University Medical Centre+ Maastricht The Netherlands
| | - Janneke G. J. Hoeijmakers
- Department of Neurology, School of Mental Health and NeuroscienceMaastricht University Medical Centre+ Maastricht The Netherlands
| | - Ingemar S. J. Merkies
- Department of Neurology, School of Mental Health and NeuroscienceMaastricht University Medical Centre+ Maastricht The Netherlands
- Department of NeurologySt. Elisabeth Hospital Willemstad Curaçao
| | - Giuseppe Lauria
- Neuroalgology UnitIRCCS Foundation, “Carlo Besta” Neurological Institute Milan Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences “Luigi Sacco”University of Milan Milan Italy
| | - Stephen G. Waxman
- Department of NeurologyYale University School of Medicine New Haven Connecticut
- Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration ResearchVA Connecticut Healthcare System West Haven Connecticut
| | - Catharina G. Faber
- Department of Neurology, School of Mental Health and NeuroscienceMaastricht University Medical Centre+ Maastricht The Netherlands
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10
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Greco C, Chaumon S, Viallard ML, Bodemer C. Reduction in pain following treatment with ranolazine in primary erythromelalgia: a case report. Br J Dermatol 2018; 179:783-784. [PMID: 29624653 DOI: 10.1111/bjd.16654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- C Greco
- University Paris Descartes, Paris, France.,Department of Neonatal, Pediatric and Adult Pain and Palliative Medicine Unit.,Laboratoire d'éthique Médicale EA 4569, Paris, France.,Inserm UMRS 935, Villejuif, France
| | - S Chaumon
- University Paris Descartes, Paris, France.,Department of Neonatal, Pediatric and Adult Pain and Palliative Medicine Unit
| | - M-L Viallard
- University Paris Descartes, Paris, France.,Department of Neonatal, Pediatric and Adult Pain and Palliative Medicine Unit.,Laboratoire d'éthique Médicale EA 4569, Paris, France
| | - C Bodemer
- University Paris Descartes, Paris, France.,Imagine Institute, Paris, France.,Department of Dermatology and Pediatric Dermatology, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris (APHP), Paris, France
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11
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Nav1.7-A1632G Mutation from a Family with Inherited Erythromelalgia: Enhanced Firing of Dorsal Root Ganglia Neurons Evoked by Thermal Stimuli. J Neurosci 2017; 36:7511-22. [PMID: 27413160 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0462-16.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.7 is a central player in human pain. Mutations in Nav1.7 produce several pain syndromes, including inherited erythromelalgia (IEM), a disorder in which gain-of-function mutations render dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons hyperexcitable. Although patients with IEM suffer from episodes of intense burning pain triggered by warmth, the effects of increased temperature on DRG neurons expressing mutant Nav1.7 channels have not been well documented. Here, using structural modeling, voltage-clamp, current-clamp, and multielectrode array recordings, we have studied a newly identified Nav1.7 mutation, Ala1632Gly, from a multigeneration family with IEM. Structural modeling suggests that Ala1632 is a molecular hinge and that the Ala1632Gly mutation may affect channel gating. Voltage-clamp recordings revealed that the Nav1.7-A1632G mutation hyperpolarizes activation and depolarizes fast-inactivation, both gain-of-function attributes at the channel level. Whole-cell current-clamp recordings demonstrated increased spontaneous firing, lower current threshold, and enhanced evoked firing in rat DRG neurons expressing Nav1.7-A1632G mutant channels. Multielectrode array recordings further revealed that intact rat DRG neurons expressing Nav1.7-A1632G mutant channels are more active than those expressing Nav1.7 WT channels. We also showed that physiologically relevant thermal stimuli markedly increase the mean firing frequencies and the number of active rat DRG neurons expressing Nav1.7-A1632G mutant channels, whereas the same thermal stimuli only increase these parameters slightly in rat DRG neurons expressing Nav1.7 WT channels. The response of DRG neurons expressing Nav1.7-A1632G mutant channels upon increase in temperature suggests a cellular basis for warmth-triggered pain in IEM. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Inherited erythromelalgia (IEM), a severe pain syndrome characterized by episodes of intense burning pain triggered by warmth, is caused by mutations in sodium channel Nav1.7, which are preferentially expressed in sensory and sympathetic neurons. More than 20 gain-of-function Nav1.7 mutations have been identified from IEM patients, but the question of how warmth triggers episodes of pain in IEM has not been well addressed. Combining multielectrode array, voltage-clamp, and current-clamp recordings, we assessed a newly identified IEM mutation (Nav1.7-A1632G) from a multigeneration family. Our data demonstrate gain-of-function attributes at the channel level and differential effects of physiologically relevant thermal stimuli on the excitability of DRG neurons expressing mutant and WT Nav1.7 channels, suggesting a cellular mechanism for warmth-triggered pain episodes in IEM patients.
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12
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Kapetis D, Sassone J, Yang Y, Galbardi B, Xenakis MN, Westra RL, Szklarczyk R, Lindsey P, Faber CG, Gerrits M, Merkies ISJ, Dib-Hajj SD, Mantegazza M, Waxman SG, Lauria G. Network topology of NaV1.7 mutations in sodium channel-related painful disorders. BMC SYSTEMS BIOLOGY 2017; 11:28. [PMID: 28235406 PMCID: PMC5324268 DOI: 10.1186/s12918-016-0382-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gain-of-function mutations in SCN9A gene that encodes the voltage-gated sodium channel NaV1.7 have been associated with a wide spectrum of painful syndromes in humans including inherited erythromelalgia, paroxysmal extreme pain disorder and small fibre neuropathy. These mutations change the biophysical properties of NaV1.7 channels leading to hyperexcitability of dorsal root ganglion nociceptors and pain symptoms. There is a need for better understanding of how gain-of-function mutations alter the atomic structure of Nav1.7. RESULTS We used homology modeling to build an atomic model of NaV1.7 and a network-based theoretical approach, which can predict interatomic interactions and connectivity arrangements, to investigate how pain-related NaV1.7 mutations may alter specific interatomic bonds and cause connectivity rearrangement, compared to benign variants and polymorphisms. For each amino acid substitution, we calculated the topological parameters betweenness centrality (B ct ), degree (D), clustering coefficient (CC ct ), closeness (C ct ), and eccentricity (E ct ), and calculated their variation (Δ value = mutant value -WT value ). Pathogenic NaV1.7 mutations showed significantly higher variation of |ΔB ct | compared to benign variants and polymorphisms. Using the cut-off value ±0.26 calculated by receiver operating curve analysis, we found that ΔB ct correctly differentiated pathogenic NaV1.7 mutations from variants not causing biophysical abnormalities (nABN) and homologous SNPs (hSNPs) with 76% sensitivity and 83% specificity. CONCLUSIONS Our in-silico analyses predict that pain-related pathogenic NaV1.7 mutations may affect the network topological properties of the protein and suggest |ΔB ct | value as a potential in-silico marker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimos Kapetis
- Bioinformatics Unit, IRCCS Foundation “Carlo Besta” Neurological Institute, Milan, Italy
- Neuroalgology Unit, IRCCS Foundation “Carlo Besta” Neurological Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Jenny Sassone
- Neuroalgology Unit, IRCCS Foundation “Carlo Besta” Neurological Institute, Milan, Italy
- Present address: San Raffaele Scientific Institute and Vita-Salute University, Milan, Italy
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, USA
- Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, USA
| | - Barbara Galbardi
- Bioinformatics Unit, IRCCS Foundation “Carlo Besta” Neurological Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Markos N. Xenakis
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Knowledge Engineering, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ronald L. Westra
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Knowledge Engineering, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Radek Szklarczyk
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Patrick Lindsey
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Catharina G. Faber
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Neurology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Monique Gerrits
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ingemar S. J. Merkies
- Department of Neurology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Neurology, Spaarne Hospital, Hoofddorp, The Netherlands
| | - Sulayman D. Dib-Hajj
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, USA
- Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, USA
| | - Massimo Mantegazza
- Laboratory of Excellence Ion Channel Science and Therapeutics, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, CNRS UMR7275 & University of Nice-Sophia Antipolis, Valbonne, France
| | - Stephen G. Waxman
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, USA
- Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, USA
| | - Giuseppe Lauria
- Neuroalgology Unit, IRCCS Foundation “Carlo Besta” Neurological Institute, Milan, Italy
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Michiels JJ. Aspirin responsive erythromelalgia in JAK2-thrombocythemia and incurable inherited erythrothermalgia in neuropathic Nav1.7 sodium channelopathy: from Mitchell 1878 to Michiels 2017. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/21678707.2017.1270822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jan Jacques Michiels
- Department of Hematology & Coagulation, Academic Hospital Dijkzigt and Erasmus University, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Blood and Coagulation Disorders, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium
- Blood, Coagulation and Vascular Medicine Research Center, Goodheart Institute & Foundation in Nature Medicine & Health, Freedom of Science and Education, European Free University, Erasmus Tower, Rotterdam
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14
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Huang CW, Lai HJ, Huang PY, Lee MJ, Kuo CC. The Biophysical Basis Underlying Gating Changes in the p.V1316A Mutant Nav1.7 Channel and the Molecular Pathogenesis of Inherited Erythromelalgia. PLoS Biol 2016; 14:e1002561. [PMID: 27653502 PMCID: PMC5031448 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.1002561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2016] [Accepted: 08/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The Nav1.7 channel critically contributes to the excitability of sensory neurons, and gain-of-function mutations of this channel have been shown to cause inherited erythromelalgia (IEM) with neuropathic pain. In this study, we report a case of a severe phenotype of IEM caused by p.V1316A mutation in the Nav1.7 channel. Mechanistically, we first demonstrate that the Navβ4 peptide acts as a gating modifier rather than an open channel blocker competing with the inactivating peptide to give rise to resurgent currents in the Nav1.7 channel. Moreover, there are two distinct open and two corresponding fast inactivated states in the genesis of resurgent Na+ currents. One is responsible for the resurgent route and practically existent only in the presence of Navβ4 peptide, whereas the other is responsible for the “silent” route of recovery from inactivation. In this regard, the p.V1316A mutation makes hyperpolarization shift in the activation curve, and depolarization shift in the inactivation curve, vividly uncoupling inactivation from activation. In terms of molecular gating operation, the most important changes caused by the p.V1316A mutation are both acceleration of the transition from the inactivated states to the activated states and deceleration of the reverse transition, resulting in much larger sustained as well as resurgent Na+ currents. In summary, the genesis of the resurgent currents in the Nav1.7 channel is ascribable to the transient existence of a distinct and novel open state promoted by the Navβ4 peptide. In addition, S4–5 linker in domain III where V1316 is located seems to play a critical role in activation–inactivation coupling, chiefly via direct modulation of the transitional kinetics between the open and the inactivated states. The sustained and resurgent Na+ currents may therefore be correlatively enhanced by specific mutations involving this linker and relevant regions, and thus marked hyperexcitability in corresponding neural tissues as well as IEM symptomatology. Mutations in the Nav1.7 sodium channel cause idiopathic erythromelalgia. This study shows that the pathogenic resurgent sodium currents arise via modification of gating behavior rather than via competing pore block by the Navβ4 peptide. The gain-of-function mutation (p.V1316A) of the Nav1.7 channel causes inherited erythromelalgia (IEM), a disease characterized by extremely enhanced activity in relevant neural tissues that results in neuropathic pain. We found that the p.V1316A mutation alters the basic gating properties of the channel, leading to increased sustained currents during membrane depolarization and resurgent currents during repolarization. Neurons expressing these mutant channels are more difficult to maintain in a hyperpolarized state and are thus more excitable. We demonstrate that there is very likely a distinct set of open/inactivated (O/I) states responsible for the genesis of resurgent currents. We show that the p.V1316A mutation chiefly accelerates the I to O transition in this set, but also decelerates the transitions between different sets of O/I states, to cause the channel gating and cellular excitability changes. Contrary to the conventional view, we find that the Navβ4 peptide, a key element responsible for sizable resurgent currents, does not seem to act as a pore blocker that competes with the inactivation peptide. Instead, we show that it acts as a gating modifier of the Nav1.7 channel. Thus, the DIII/S4–5 linker, where V1316 is located, may play a critical role not only in O/I coupling but also in the couplings between different sets of O/I in the Nav1.7 channel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiung-Wei Huang
- Department of Physiology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsing-Jung Lai
- Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital Jinshan Branch, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Po-Yuan Huang
- Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Jen Lee
- Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- * E-mail: (MJL); (CCK)
| | - Chung-Chin Kuo
- Department of Physiology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- * E-mail: (MJL); (CCK)
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15
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Cao L, McDonnell A, Nitzsche A, Alexandrou A, Saintot PP, Loucif AJ, Brown AR, Young G, Mis M, Randall A, Waxman SG, Stanley P, Kirby S, Tarabar S, Gutteridge A, Butt R, McKernan RM, Whiting P, Ali Z, Bilsland J, Stevens EB. Pharmacological reversal of a pain phenotype in iPSC-derived sensory neurons and patients with inherited erythromelalgia. Sci Transl Med 2016; 8:335ra56. [DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aad7653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2015] [Accepted: 04/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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16
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Tang Z, Chen Z, Tang B, Jiang H. Primary erythromelalgia: a review. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2015; 10:127. [PMID: 26419464 PMCID: PMC4589109 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-015-0347-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2015] [Accepted: 09/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary erythromelalgia (PE ORPHA90026) is a rare autosomal dominant neuropathy characterized by the combination of recurrent burning pain, warmth and redness of the extremities. The incidence rate of PE ranges from 0.36 to 1.1 per 100,000 persons. Gender ratio differs according to different studies and no evidence showed a gender preference. Clinical onset of PE is often in the first decade of life. Burning pain is the most predominant symptom and is usually caused and precipitated by warmth and physical activities. Reported cases of PE contain both inherited and sporadic forms. Genetic etiology of PE is mutations on SCN9A, the encoding gene of a voltage-gated sodium channel subtype Nav1.7. Diagnosis of PE is made upon clinical manifestations and screening for mutations on SCN9A. Exclusion of several other treatable diseases/secondary erythromelalgia is also necessary because of the lack of biomarkers specifically for PE. Differential diagnoses can include Fabry disease, cellulites, Raynaud phenomenon, vasculitis and so on. Diagnostic methods often involve complete blood count, imaging studies and thermograph. Treatment for PE is unsatisfactory and highly individualized. Frequently used pain relieving drugs involve sodium channel blockers such as lidocaine, carbamazepine and mexiletine. Novel drugs such as PF-05089771 and TV-45070 could be promising in ameliorating pain symptoms due to their Nav1.7 selectivity. Patients’ symptoms often worsen over time and many patients develop ulcerations and gangrenes caused by excessive exposure to low temperature in order to relieve pain. This review mainly focuses on PE and the causative gene SCN9A -- its mutations and their effects on Nav1.7 channels’ electrophysiological properties. We propose a genotype-channelopathy-phenotype correlation network underlying PE etiology which could provide guidance for future therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoli Tang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
| | - Zhao Chen
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
| | - Beisha Tang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China. .,Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, 87 Xiangya road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China. .,State Key Lab of Medical Genetics, Central South University, 110 Xiangya road, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China.
| | - Hong Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China. .,Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, 87 Xiangya road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China. .,State Key Lab of Medical Genetics, Central South University, 110 Xiangya road, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China.
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17
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Amarouch MY, Abriel H. Cellular hyper-excitability caused by mutations that alter the activation process of voltage-gated sodium channels. Front Physiol 2015; 6:45. [PMID: 25741286 PMCID: PMC4330716 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2015.00045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2014] [Accepted: 01/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium channels (Nav) are widely expressed as macro-molecular complexes in both excitable and non-excitable tissues. In excitable tissues, the upstroke of the action potential is the result of the passage of a large and rapid influx of sodium ions through these channels. NaV dysfunction has been associated with an increasingly wide range of neurological, muscular and cardiac disorders. The purpose of this review is to summarize the recently identified sodium channel mutations that are linked to hyper-excitability phenotypes and associated with the alteration of the activation process of voltage gated sodium channels. Indeed, several clinical manifestations that demonstrate an alteration of tissue excitability were recently shown to be strongly associated with the presence of mutations that affect the activation process of the Nav. These emerging genotype-phenotype correlations have expanded the clinical spectrum of sodium channelopathies to include disorders which feature a hyper-excitability phenotype that may or may not be associated with a cardiomyopathy. The p.I141V mutation in SCN4A and SCN5A, as well as its homologous p.I136V mutation in SCN9A, are interesting examples of mutations that have been linked to inherited hyperexcitability myotonia, exercise-induced polymorphic ventricular arrhythmias and erythromelalgia, respectively. Regardless of which sodium channel isoform is investigated, the substitution of the isoleucine to valine in the locus 141 induces similar modifications in the biophysical properties of the Nav by shifting the voltage-dependence of steady state activation toward more negative potentials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed-Yassine Amarouch
- Materials, Natural Substances, Environment and Modeling Laboratory, Multidisciplinary Faculty of Taza, University of Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah-Fes Taza, Morocco
| | - Hugues Abriel
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Bern Bern, Switzerland
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18
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Waxman SG, Merkies ISJ, Gerrits MM, Dib-Hajj SD, Lauria G, Cox JJ, Wood JN, Woods CG, Drenth JPH, Faber CG. Sodium channel genes in pain-related disorders: phenotype–genotype associations and recommendations for clinical use. Lancet Neurol 2014; 13:1152-1160. [DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(14)70150-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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19
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Altered sodium channel gating as molecular basis for pain: contribution of activation, inactivation, and resurgent currents. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2014; 221:91-110. [PMID: 24737233 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-41588-3_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in voltage-gated sodium channels, especially Nav1.7, can cause the genetic pain syndromes inherited erythromelalgia, small fiber neuropathy, paroxysmal extreme pain disorder, and chronic insensitivity to pain. Functional analysis of these mutations offers the possibility of understanding the potential pathomechanisms of these disease patterns and also may help to explicate the molecular mechanisms underlying pain in normal conditions. The mutations are distributed over the whole channel protein, but nevertheless induce similar changes for each pain syndrome. In this review we focus on their impact on sodium channel gating, which may be conferred via modulation of (1) conformation (affecting all gating characteristics); (2) the amount of voltage-sensing charges (affecting mainly activation); (3) interaction within the protein (e.g., binding of the inactivation linker); and (4) interaction with other proteins (e.g., for generation of resurgent currents). Understanding the molecular basis for each gating mode and its impact on cellular excitability and nociception in each disease type may provide a basis for development of more specific and effective therapeutic tools.
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20
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Yang Y, Estacion M, Dib-Hajj SD, Waxman SG. Molecular architecture of a sodium channel S6 helix: radial tuning of the voltage-gated sodium channel 1.7 activation gate. J Biol Chem 2013; 288:13741-7. [PMID: 23536180 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.462366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In-frame deletion mutation (Del-L955) in NaV1.7 sodium channel from a kindred with erythromelalgia hyperpolarizes activation. RESULTS Del-L955 twists the S6 helix, displacing the Phe960 activation gate. Replacement of Phe960 at the correct helical position depolarizes activation. CONCLUSION Radial tuning of the activation gate is critical to the activation of NaV1.7 channel. SIGNIFICANCE Structural modeling guided electrophysiology reveals the functional importance of radial tuning of the S6 segment. Voltage-gated sodium (NaV) channels are membrane proteins that consist of 24 transmembrane segments organized into four homologous domains and are essential for action potential generation and propagation. Although the S6 helices of NaV channels line the ion-conducting pore and participate in channel activation, their functional architecture is incompletely understood. Our recent studies show that a naturally occurring in-frame deletion mutation (Del-L955) of NaV1.7 channel, identified in individuals with a severe inherited pain syndrome (inherited erythromelalgia) causes a substantial hyperpolarizing shift of channel activation. Here we took advantage of this deletion mutation to understand the role of the S6 helix in the channel activation. Based on the recently published structure of a bacterial NaV channel (NaVAb), we modeled the WT and Del-L955 channel. Our structural model showed that Del-L955 twists the DII/S6 helix, shifting location and radial orientation of the activation gate residue (Phe(960)). Hypothesizing that these structural changes produce the shift of channel activation of Del-L955 channels, we restored a phenylalanine in wild-type orientation by mutating Ser(961) (Del-L955/S961F), correcting activation by ∼10 mV. Correction of the displaced Phe(960) (F960S) together with introduction of the rescuing activation gate residue (S961F) produced an additional ∼6-mV restoration of activation of the mutant channel. A simple point mutation in the absence of a twist (L955A) did not produce a radial shift and did not hyperpolarize activation. Our results demonstrate the functional importance of radial tuning of the sodium channel S6 helix for the channel activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yang
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510, USA
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